Immobilizer

ABSTRACT

This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/780,942, filed Feb. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,588, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrainmovement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasablyrestrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or aleg.

BACKGROUND

Various devices have been used to limit movement of parts of the humanbody for various purposes, such as allowing an injury to heal. In thecase of immobilizing an arm or a shoulder, a common device is theshoulder sling. In general, a shoulder sling uses a swath of material toencircle and cradle the lower part of the arm. A length of material,such as a strap, is attached at one end of the swath of material, islooped around the neck of the user and is attached at the other end ofthe swath of material. The strap then holds the swath of material, whichholds the arm in a desired position.

The length of a strap in a typical sling may be adjusted somewhat toallow the arm to be positioned within a certain range of angles. Ingeneral, as the length of the strap is increased, the position of thearm relative to the torso is lowered. However, the range of positions islimited by the structure of the sling itself.

Existing slings are typically worn over the outside of clothing and arevery visible to others. If existing slings are worn under an article ofclothing, the arm being held in the sling also is positioned under thatarticle of clothing. Also, immobilizers for legs typically involvestraps with cumbersome mechanical attachment mechanisms, such as bucklesand cinches. In any event, the slings and other existing immobilizersare cumbersome to use, offer a limited range of positions and areotherwise limited in their use. Further, slings and other existingimmobilizers typically do not allow for particularized motion, e.g.,restraining the movement of the upper arm while allowing significant useof the hand.

As such, a need exists for an improved product and method to restrainmovement, such as movement of a part of the human body, that is moresimple, easier to use, less cumbersome, less visible, adaptable to allowparticularized motion and more secure while being more easilyreleasable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of theinvention comprising a harness containing a magnetic device.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of theinvention comprising a strap containing a magnetic device.

FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of the harness of FIG. 1 and thestrap of FIG. 2 as utilized by a person.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of another embodiment of the inventioncomprising a magnet holder and a magnet.

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention comprising a harness containing one or more magnetic devices.

FIG. 6 depicts a front plan view of another embodiment of the inventioncomprising a strap containing one or more magnetic devices.

FIG. 7 depicts a back plan view of the strap depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the strap depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7as wrapped around an object.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of another embodiment of the inventioncomprising an alternative strap containing one or more magnetic devices.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the strap depicted in FIG. 9 aswrapped around an object.

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention comprising a harness containing one or more magnetic devicesand a strap as utilized by a person.

FIG. 12 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention comprising anarticle of clothing containing one or more magnetic devices and a strapas utilized by a person.

FIG. 13 depicts a front perspective view of yet another embodiment ofthe invention comprising a harness containing one or more magneticdevices, a therapeutic adaptation and a strap, as utilized by a person.

FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view of yet another embodiment ofthe invention comprising a harness containing one or more magneticdevices, a therapeutic adaptation and a strap, as utilized by a person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to a product and method to restrainmovement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasablyrestrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or aleg.

In one embodiment of the invention, magnetic forces are employed toreleasably connect at least one magnetic device positioned at a part ofthe body, such as an arm or leg, to at least one other magnetic devicepositioned at another part of the body or positioned at anotherstructure. A first magnetic device is positioned at or near the part ofthe human body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and asecond magnetic device is positioned at the desired location ofrestraint, which may be at another portion of the user's body or aseparate structure. The attractive magnetic forces of the two magnetsoperate to releasably attach the two magnets to each other and toreleasably immobilize, secure and/or support the part of the body at thedesired position. The product and method of the present invention may beadapted to restrain the movement of and/or support one or both arms, oneor both legs, the head, the neck, the torso, other body parts, variouscombinations thereof, and even the entire body.

Through the use of a product and method of the invention, a human armmay be temporarily and releasably restrained in movement and/orsupported in a desired position, e.g., for facilitating the healing ofan injury, for immobilizing the arm to inhibit interference with medicalor other attention to other parts of the body, or for supporting an armweakened by injury, disability or disease, such as a stroke orParkinson's Disease, among many other things. For example, a firstmagnet may be positioned on the arm, preferably at or near the forearmor wrist, and a second magnet may be positioned at a desired location,such as a desired position along the torso of the user. The attractiveforces between the two magnets operate to releasably attach the twomagnets to one another. The arm is thereby temporarily restrained inmovement, held in a desired position and supported. Some, most,substantially all, or even all of the device may be concealed under theuser's clothing during use.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a strap containing one or moremagnetic devices and harness containing one or more magnetic devices.The strap preferably is adapted to be releasably and adjustably attachedto part of an arm, while the harness preferably is adapted to bereleasably and adjustably attached to at least a part of the torso ofthe user.

More specifically, the harness of this embodiment is adapted to securethe one or more magnets in a desired location and to contain one or moredevices to magnetically attract the magnet contained in the strap. Inthe embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, a harness 10 comprisesa neck loop 12, one end of which is releasably attachable by connector14, and at least one magnet 18.

The neck loop 12 is adapted to extend around the neck of a person, withthe neck loop 12 preferably releasably attachable by connector 14 tofacilitate the positioning of the harness 10 on the user. Neck loop 12is of sufficient strength to support the harness and the arm when inuse, while being sufficiently flexible for comfortable use. The neckloop 12 may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as naturalfabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and combinations thereof, andpreferably is constructed of a foam material covered by a wovensynthetic laminated nylon fabric.

Neck loop 12 is of sufficient length to encircle the neck of the userand preferably is approximately 24 inches to approximately 36 inches inlength. For increased support and comfort, neck loop 12 also preferablyis contoured to generally follow the contour of a user's neck and/orshoulder. Even more preferably, neck loop 12 is constructed of twopieces of material sewn together to form the contoured shape. As shownin FIG. 1, neck loop 12 more preferably has a width at each end that isless than the width in the middle, where the neck loop 12 is intended tocontact the neck and/or shoulder area of the user.

The connector 14 may be any number of mechanisms to releasably attachone or both ends of neck loop 12 to close the loop around the neck ofthe user, such as a button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener, orsimilar device, and preferably is a snap. Alternatively, neck loop 12may be a closed loop that is not readily opened or opened at all, butrather is sufficiently large to slip over the head of a user.

The strap is designed to hold or secure at least one magnet at a desiredlocation, such as along an arm or leg. Preferably, the strap is a lengthof material designed to wrap around the arm or leg and be secured with areleasable fastener, such as a button, buckle, snap, hook and loopfastener or similar device. More preferably, the length of strap may beadjustable to securely wrap around varying dimensions of arms and legs,and be secured to the desired degree of snugness with the releasablefastener. For example, the dimensions of arms and legs vary betweenindividuals and even within the same individual, e.g., depending on thethickness of any clothing being worn by the individual under the strap,the existence and thickness of a cast, or other material affecting thecircumference of the arm or leg. Alternatively, the strap may be aclosed loop that is not readily opened or opened at all, but rather issufficiently large to slip over the desired body part or parts.

The strap preferably is of sufficient dimensions to contain the desirednumber and size of magnets for the desired application. For a strapdesigned to be wrapped around a forearm or wrist, preferably the strapis approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches wide andapproximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches long to allow use fora variety of shapes and sizes of wrists, forearms, upper arms, etc.,with or without extra clothing, casts and other material. For a strapdesigned to be wrapped around a leg, preferably the strap isapproximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches wide and approximately14 inches to approximately 30 inches long to allow use for a variety ofshapes and sizes of ankles, calves, thighs, etc. Straps designed to beused in other applications should be of sufficient width and length toreleasably attach the strap to the desired body part and to hold atleast one magnet at the desired location.

The strap may be constructed of a wide variety of materials, such asnatural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and combinations thereof,and preferably is constructed of a relatively elastic, woven fabric, andwith at least some foam material for increased comfort. In a preferredembodiment, the material covers substantially all of the magnet, suchthat in operation the two attractive magnets are not in directmetal-to-metal contact with each other. Preferably, such a materialcovering the magnet is a woven fabric.

The strap is designed to contain one or more magnets, and preferably onemagnet. The one or more magnets may be held on or within the strap in avariety of ways, including readily removable means such as within anopen sleeve or a closable sleeve, or preferably less readily removablemeans such as a sewn-in enclosure.

More than one strap, each containing at least one magnet, may be used.In the embodiment of an arm immobilizer, preferably one strap containingone magnet is used, which typically will be sufficient to securely holdthe magnet in the desired location and to immobilize the arm whenmagnetically attached to the corresponding magnet secured at the desiredlocation. A single strap with a single magnet generally is more simpleto manufacture, more cost effective and more simple to use. In theembodiment of a leg immobilizer, one, two, three, or more straps may beadvantageously employed, depending on the length of leg desired to berestrained in movement and the degree of restraint desired. For anapplication of temporarily restraining the movement of a leg while theuser is in a wheelchair, preferably one strap is wrapped around the legof the user, at or near the ankle. In embodiments of the inventiondesigned to immobilize more than one limb or much or all of the body,e.g., in a hospital bed, multiple straps or other devices may be used atvarious positions, each containing one or more magnets to correspond toan attractive magnet on the support structure, such as a part of orattachment to the hospital bed.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, a strap 20 comprises a length ofmaterial forming closable loop 22, snap connector 24 and at least onemagnet 28. Strap 20 is sized and shaped to wrap around a portion of thearm of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the harness 10 depicted in FIG. 1 and the strap20 depicted in FIG. 2 are illustrated in use on the body of user 29. Theharness 10 has been positioned around the neck of the user 29 and closedto form a loop. The strap 20 has be positioned around the forearm of theuser 29 and closed to form a loop. The magnet 18 of harness 10 and themagnet 28 of strap 20 are releasably attached by attractive magneticforces after positioning them in close proximity to each other.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 4, whichdepicts a magnet holder 30 designed for use in place of, or incombination with, a harness, such as the harness 10 of FIG. 1 or thearticle of clothing 80 of FIG. 12. Referring now to FIG. 4, a magnetholder 30 comprises a length of material 32 and at least one magnet 38.The magnet holder 30 is sized sufficiently to hold at least one magnet38 and preferably is sufficiently large for a user to grasp, hold andmaneuver the magnet holder 30 to the desired position. Preferably,magnet holder 30 is approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches wideand approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches long. The magnetholder 30 may be constructed of a variety of materials, includingnatural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastics and combinations thereof,and preferably is constructed of a woven nylon fabric.

Magnet holder 30 also may be adapted to be releasably attachable toanother object, e.g., by affixing hook fasteners or loop fasteners onone side to be releasably attachable to corresponding loop fasteners orhook fasteners on the other object. In one example, the magnet holder 30may be adapted to be releasably attachable to a portion of, most,substantially all, or even all of the harness 10 or comparablestructure, such as the vest-like article of clothing 80 depicted in FIG.12. This embodiment provides a virtually limitless number of positionsat which the magnet holder 30 may be attached, which in turn provides avirtually limitless number of positions at which the users arm may besecured.

The magnet holder 30 may be placed at a desired position, such as insidea pocket or inside an article of clothing. A second magnet, such as themagnet 28 of strap 20 of FIG. 2 or the magnet 53 of strap 51 of FIGS.9-10, may be positioned on the body part the movement of which isdesired to be restrained and positioned in proximity to the magnet 38 ofmagnet holder 30. The attractive forces of the two magnets operate toreleasably connect and thereby restrain the movement of the body part,without the use of a harness, such as harness 10 of FIG. 1. Thisembodiment is particularly advantageous where the user desires to limitthe visibility of the restraint or requires periodic, more limitedsupport, such as a Parkinson disease patient or a stroke victim whowishes to discreetly support an arm, without necessarily having to weara larger, more visible support, such as the harness 10 of FIG. 1.

The relative strength of the magnetic devices to be employed in thepresent invention is dependent on the particular application, includingthe type of user. In general, the magnets should be of sufficientstrength such that the attractive magnetic forces of two magnetstogether can restrain and/or support the body part at the desiredlocation. Preferably, the magnets are of sufficient strength to allowone to intentionally release or pull them apart, while not releasing orpulling apart unintentionally, when at rest or during desiredactivities. For the application of immobilizing an upper arm, a desiredactivity preferably includes the used of the hand of that upper arm forcertain activities. For the application of immobilizing a lower leg, adesired activity preferably includes the ability to move the upper legfrom side to side to some extent.

Alternatively, magnetic devices of greater strength may be used torestrain one or more limbs, other body parts, or even an entire bodysuch that the user is unable to release the restraint without assistancefrom another. Such applications can include restraining persons toprevent undesirable movement during medical procedures, public safety,apprehension by police, etc.

The attractive force between two magnets may be adjusted or fine tunedfor a particular application by changing the type of material or byvarying the thickness of the material covering each of the magnets. Forexample, since the attractive magnetic forces decrease as the distancebetween the magnets increases, utilizing a thicker material covering amagnet will effectively decrease the attractive force. In addition, orin the alternative, the relative attractive magnetic forces between twomagnets may be decreased by decreasing the mass of a magnet, e.g., bydecreasing the thickness of one or both magnets. This may beparticularly advantageous for small or fragile persons, who may need ordesire a relatively weaker magnetic force to be able to separate themagnets without assistance from another.

The magnets may be any of a variety of strengths, shapes, sizes andtypes. Also, the one or more magnets on the body part to be restrainedand the one or more magnets positioned at the desired location ofrestraint may be of different relative strengths, shapes, sizes andtypes, or preferably, the magnets are substantially the same strength,size, shape and type.

In one embodiment of the invention of the invention, the two magnets areflat and circular shaped and are different diameters. This allows alimited amount of movement by the smaller diameter magnet within thelarger area of the larger diameter magnet. Such an arrangement providessome give or cushion to allow some movement in response to outsideforces before the attractive force between the two magnets is broken.

The relative attractive forces between two magnets must be of sufficientstrength to counter the forces of shear and pull. In this application,shear generally refers to the forces of the arm being pulled down oraway from the body, while pull refers to the forces to pull the magnetsapart. Regardless of the relative size, shape, type and strength ofeither magnet, the relative attractive forces between the two magnetsmust be sufficient for the two magnets to be releasably secured, whilecountering the forces of shear and pull.

In a preferred embodiment, neodymium iron boron magnets of the samegrade were utilized, which were round, approximately 1.50 inches indiameter and 0.1875 inches thick. With a capturing material, such aswoven fabric, placing the two magnets approximately 0.060 inches apart,the magnets had a Gauss reading of approximately 1,436.8, a magneticattraction of approximately 15.3 pounds and a repulsion of approximately9.1 pounds. Testing the above magnets in twenty shear pull testsresulted in an average shear force of 8.1 pounds.

Additional testing demonstrated that thickness of the magnets has agreater relative impact on the strength of the attractive magneticforces than the diameter of the magnets. For example, two round magnets,each approximately 1.00 inches in diameter and 0.1875 thick, placed0.060 apart demonstrated a pull strength of 13.1 pounds, which was 2.2pounds less than the similarly tested 1.50 inch diameter magnets above.In contrast, increasing the thickness of the magnets from 0.1875 inchesto 0.250 inches, while leaving the other variables constant, resulted ina pull strength of 25.6 pounds. Similarly, increasing the thickness ofthe magnets to 0.375 inches, the pull strength further increased to 49.8pounds. Preferably, the relative strength of the magnets is varied bychanging the thickness of the magnets and/or changing the thickness ofthe spacing between the magnets.

Preferably, the immobilizer of the present invention employs two magnetshaving attractive magnetic forces. Alternatively, one magnet may beused, which may be releasably connected to a magnetic surface.

In the application of an arm immobilizer, a preferred embodiment for anaverage adult to releasably immobilize one arm in an elevated positionon a portion of the torso, the magnets preferably have a magneticattraction of approximately 15 pounds to approximately 30 pounds and ashear of approximately 8 pounds to approximately 15 pounds.

At least one magnet is secured on the body part desired to be restrainedand/or supported and at least one magnet is secured at the desiredlocation for the body part to be held. More than one magnet may be used,e.g., depending on the size, strength and/or type of magnets and theapplication. For example, three magnets may be secured at differentpositions along a leg of a person and be releasably attached to threecorresponding magnets secured at a desired location, such as along theside of a hospital bed or along the side of a wheelchair. Preferably,one magnet is secured on the body part and may be releasably connectedby attractive magnetic forces to one magnet secured at or near thedesired location for the body part to be held.

In a preferred embodiment of an arm immobilizer, a strap is adapted toreleasably attach to a desired location on the arm, preferably at ornear the wrist area. The strap preferably comprises one magnet, asdescribed above. The magnet on the arm strap may be aligned with, andtemporarily, releasably attachable to, a magnet secured at the desiredlocation, such as on the torso of the user.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. Harness 40comprises a neck loop 42, one end of which is releasably attachable byconnector 44 and a magnet holder 46 containing at least one magnet 48.Alternative embodiments may combine the neck loop 42 and the magnetholder 48 into a single piece. The harness 40 of FIG. 5 correspondsgenerally to the harness 10 of FIG. 1, but provides alternativefeatures.

Neck loop 42 may itself contain one or more magnets, but preferably doesnot contain the one or more magnets. Rather, neck loop 42 preferably isconnected to a magnet holder 46, which is adapted to contain one or moremagnets 48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, neck loop 42 is connectedto one end of buckle 45, the other end of which is connected to magnetholder 46.

Magnet holder 46 is adapted to hold at least one magnet 48, andpreferably is adapted to provide for the vertical and/or horizontaladjustment of the position of the magnet 48 relative to the harness 40.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, magnet holder 46 is a closed loop,which is one mechanism to allow the vertical adjustment of magnet 48.More preferably, the magnet holder 46 comprises hook and loop fastenersadapted to allow the vertical adjustment of magnet 48. For example,magnet holder 46 preferably comprises hook fasteners coveringapproximately one half of the length of the interior side of the closedloop, with loop fasteners covering approximately the other half of thelength of the interior side of the closed loop. The magnet 48 preferablyis positioned and held approximately in the middle of either one of thetwo halves. By releasing the hook and loop fasteners, the verticalposition of the magnet 48 may thereby be adjusted upwards or downwardsto a desired position and then secured at the position by re-connectingthe hook and loop fasteners. Such a mechanism advantageously provides amultitude of vertical positions, while requiring but a single magnet 48in magnet holder 46.

Alternatively, vertical and/or horizontal adjustment of the magnetrelative to the harness, and thereby of the position of the arm to beimmobilized, may be achieved by other means, such as securing more thanone magnet in the magnet holder at predetermined positions, or byremoving the magnet from its position and placing it at alternativepositions, such as in open or closable sleeves within one or moreportions of the harness.

The magnet holder 46 may be constructed of a variety of materials, suchas natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and combinationsthereof, and preferably is nylon fabric, with hook and loop fasteners,as described above. Preferably, the magnet holder 46 is approximately 2inches to approximately 3 inches in width and approximately 14 inches toapproximately 20 inches in length.

The magnet holder comprises sufficient structure to hold and secure atleast one magnet. In another embodiment, the magnet holder comprises atleast one open sleeve and/or at least one closable sleeve. Byincorporating more than one such sleeve at various locations along themagnet holder, one may select from a variety of positions by moving asingle magnet into a sleeve at a desired location. Preferably, themagnet or magnets are enclosed in material attached to, or a part of,the magnet holder, such as by being sewn-in. Preferably, material coversthe magnet, so as to not allow direct metal-to-metal contact between amagnet of the harness and a magnet of the strap.

The strap is designed to hold or secure at least one magnet at a desiredlocation, such as along an arm or leg. Preferably, the strap is a lengthof material designed to wrap around the arm or leg and be secured with areleasable fastener, such as a button, buckle, hook and loop fastener orsimilar device. More preferably, the length of strap may be adjustableto securely wrap around varying dimensions of arms and legs and besecured to the desired degree of snugness with the releasable fastener.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, strap 50 containing magnet 52comprises a first side having hook fasteners 54 along at least a portionof its length and a second side having loop fasteners 56 along at leasta portion of its length. The strap 50 preferably comprises a loop 58 atone end, to allow the strap 50 to form a releasable, adjustable closedloop. As shown in FIG. 8, the end of the strap 50 not having the loop 58may be threaded through loop 58, and doubled back onto the rest of thestrap 50. The opposing hook 54 and loop 56 fasteners releasably securethe strap 50 at the desired position, thereby providing adjustability ofthe circumference of the strap 50 for a variety of applications.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, wherethe strap 51 comprises additional material for additional comfort to theuser. Strap 51 comprises a length of material 55 having hook and loopfasteners on either side, similar to strap 50 of FIGS. 6 and 7, a loop59, at least one magnet 53, and a piece of material 57, preferably widerthan the length of material 55 and more preferably padded with foammaterial as well. As shown in FIG. 10, the strap 51 is releasablyattachable to the portion of the body sought to be restrained bythreading the end of the strap 51 through the loop 59 and doubling backonto the rest of the strap 51. Opposing hook and loop fasteners onlength of material 55 releasably secure the strap 51 at the desiredposition, thereby providing adjustability of the circumference of thestrap 51 for a variety of applications and preferably providing a wider,padded surface for additional comfort to the user.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. Inthis embodiment, harness 60 comprises at least one diagonally extendingshoulder strap 62, waistband 64 and at least one magnet 68A-D. Thewaistband 64 is adapted to circumvate the torso, and preferably thewaist area, of a person and preferably is releasably secured, such as bya buckle, button, snap, clip and more preferably with hook and loopfasteners and adjustable in length. Alternatively, the waistband 64 maybe a closed loop, at least a portion of which is sufficiently elastic tohold the waistband in a desired location around the torso of the user.

The waistband 64 may be constructed of many types of materials,including cloth, leather, and webbing, and preferably is constructed ofa woven elastic material, and more preferably a woven elastic materialapproximately 4 inches in width. Optionally, the waistband 64 may beadapted to receive and secure one or more magnets 68A and may be usedwith or without shoulder strap 62. Waistband 64 may further be adaptedto provide a plurality of positions for one or more at least one magnet68A at different positions, by adjusting the waistband 64 itself, or byproviding a plurality of magnets spaced apart along waistband 64.

Shoulder strap 62 is adapted to secure one or more magnets in a desiredlocation on the torso of the user. Referring again to FIG. 11, oneembodiment of the invention comprises shoulder strap 62 with a first endand a second end, each connected to the waistband 64, forming a loopadapted to extend over the shoulder of the user. The synthetic fabrics,plastics, and combinations thereof, and preferably is a woven elasticfabric. The length of shoulder strap 62 may be fixed or preferably isadjustable, to accommodate torsos of different lengths, widths andbreadths.

The shoulder strap 62 is adapted to secure at least one magnet 68B-D andmay secure a series of magnets spaced apart to provide alternativepositions for releasably attaching the corresponding attractive magneton the wrist or leg. Optionally, the position of one magnet 68B, 68C and68D may be adjusted relative to the waistband 64, e.g., by providing aplurality of open or closable sleeves in which to house one or more ofmagnets 68B-D at different positions or by adjusting the shoulder strap62 itself.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is intended for use in immobilizing theright arm of a user. An alternative embodiment (not shown) intended forimmobilizing the left arm of a user would essentially be a mirror imageof the harness 60 of FIG. 11. Yet another embodiment (not shown)comprises two shoulder straps, each similar to that of shoulder strap 62of FIG. 11, one extending over each shoulder of the user. Such a harnesscould readily be utilized to restrain the movement of either the rightarm or the left arm, or both arms.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises at least one shoulderstrap comprising a length of material intended to wrap around the torsoof the user and be secured with a releasable fastener, such as a button,buckle, hook and loop fastener or similar device. The shoulder strapcomprises at least one magnet, but unlike the embodiments of FIG. 11,there is no waistband.

The shoulder strap is adapted to secure at least one magnet and maysecure a series of magnets spaced apart to provide alternative positionsfor releasably attaching the corresponding attractive magnet on thewrist or leg. Preferably, the position of one magnet may be adjusted,e.g. by providing a plurality of open or closable sleeves in which tohouse the magnet at different positions. More preferably, the shoulderstrap itself is adapted to provide a multitude of positions for themagnet, e.g., by rotating the shoulder strap about the torso of theuser.

The user may releasably attach a strap containing at least one magnetonto a portion of the body part to be immobilized. In this embodiment,the strap (such as strap 50 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7) is attached tothe user's arm in the vicinity of the elbow, which immobilizes the upperportion of the user's arm, while allowing relative freedom of movementof the portion of the arm below the elbow. This method and apparatus maybe particularly suitable for relatively minor, or partially healed,shoulder injuries.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 12. Anarticle of clothing 80 is adapted to receive and secure one or moremagnets 86A-E at desired locations to releasably attach to acorresponding attractive magnet secured on the body part to beimmobilized. The one or more magnets 86A-E may be received and securedby the article of clothing 80 through a variety of mechanisms, includingan open sleeve, a closable sleeve, and an enclosure. In one embodiment,a single magnet may be used in a first position within the article ofclothing for a desired purpose or time period and may be moved into oneor more alternative positions, if desired. For example, a multitude ofpockets or sleeves may be constructed and positioned at desiredlocations on the article of clothing, and a single magnet may be movedinto a pocket or sleeve to provide the desired location. Preferably,each of the one or more magnets 86A-E is more securely positioned atspecified locations in the article of clothing.

In a preferred embodiment, the article of clothing 80 comprises a vestadapted to receive and secure at least one magnet, preferably fivemagnets, 86A, 86B, 86C, 86D and 86E, spaced apart at desired locations.The magnets may be arranged in a variety of configurations, such asalong a diagonal line like that of the diagonal shoulder straps in FIG.10, or preferably in a vertical alignment, or both, or some combinationthereof, or any other desired location. The article of clothing 80optionally may comprise additional or alternative structure, such as awaistband.

The article of clothing 80 may be constructed of a variety of materials,such as natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and combinationsthereof, and preferably is a lighter weight natural fabric, such ascotton. The article of clothing may be adapted to be worn as clothing,over the top of other clothing, or preferably under other clothing.

A variety of harness, straps and other magnet holders may be employed invarious combinations. For example, the harness 10 of FIG. 1, the magnetholder 30 of FIG. 4, the harness 40 of FIG. 5, the harness 60 of FIG.10, the harness 60 of FIG. 11, the article of clothing 80 of FIG. 12 andother alternative harnesses and magnet holders and magnet acceptors maybe utilized with any or all of the strap 20 of FIG. 2, strap 50 of FIGS.6-8 and other alternative straps and similar and other devices to holdthe magnet at the desired location of restraint.

Also, a magnet, with or without a cover, may be attached to the personwithout a strap. In one embodiment where the user is to wear, or iswearing a cast, at least one magnet may be attached directly to thecast. The magnet on the cast may then be releasably attached byattractive magnetic forces to another magnet or magnetic material at adesired location, such as to a harness, strap or other magnet holder, orother surface, as described in several embodiments herein. Otherembodiments may use other structures or other ways to attach or connecta magnet or a magnetic force to the part of the body desired to berestrained.

Additionally, it may be advantageous for the immobilizer to be adaptedto provide therapeutic capabilities, such as heat or cold. Oneembodiment of the invention providing such therapeutic capabilities isshown in FIG. 13, where a user is wearing magnet holder 20 and harness10, which is adapted to secure holder 91. Holder 91 is adapted to hold ahot pack or a cold pack at a desired position of the body of the user29. Preferably, holder 91 comprises a open or readily openably sleeveinto which a separate hot pack or a cold pack may be selectivelyinserted and removed as desired or prescribed. Holder 91 may be anintegral part of harness 10, e.g., by being sewn onto harness 10 or bybeing a single piece, or preferably is releasably attachable to harness10, such as with hook and loop fasteners. Even more preferably, theholder 91 comprises hook fasteners that are releasably attachable toloop fasteners along some, most, substantially all or all of harness 10.An alternative configuration of holder 91 is depicted in FIG. 14, wherethe holder 93 is sized and positioned to provide therapeuticcapabilities, such as hot packs and cold packs to the user's collar boneand/or shoulder areas.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, attractive magnetic forcesmay be used to restrain the movement of other limbs, or of other partsof the body, or even of the entire body. In one application, at leastone magnet is secured at a desired location on the body part to berestrained, such as by a strap as described above, a pocket or sleeve,or within another article, such as a shoe, sock, trousers, etc. At leastone magnet is secured at a desired location at which the body part is tobe restrained, such as a part of or attachment to a wheelchair, a partof or attachment to an article of furniture, a bed, a seat in anautomobile, or any number of other movable or fixed structures or bodyparts. One advantageous use of this embodiment is the support andrestraint of a leg at an elevated position to reduce swelling due to aninjury and enhance healing.

In the embodiment of a wheelchair application, preferably a strap, likethat shown in FIGS. 6-7, contains at least one magnet and is releasablyattachable to the leg of the user by hook and loop fasteners. At leastone magnet is positioned on the wheelchair at a desired location tocorrespond to a magnet on the strap, or alternatively a portion of thewheelchair is permanently or temporarily magnetized with a magneticforce attractive to the magnet of the strap. By the attractive magneticforces, the user's leg may be temporarily, releasably immobilized.

There are circumstances in which the use of magnetic forces may not beoptimal, desired or even possible, e.g., where the user has a pacemakerand electrical interference may be a problem. As an alternative tomagnetic forces, the immobilizer of the present invention may comprise afirst piece adapted to be positioned at a desired part of the body of auser, such as an arm or a leg, and a second piece adapted to bepositioned at a desired position of restraint, such as another part ofthe user's body or another structure. The first piece and the secondpiece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as byattractive magnetic forces, button, buckle, snap, hook and loopfastener, or similar device. Each of the embodiments of the inventiondescribed above, and as depicted in the drawings, may alternativelycomprise connecting means between the two pieces other than, or inaddition to, the attractive magnetic forces therein. In yet anotherembodiment, the two pieces described herein may be more permanentlyattached, e.g., by being sewn, stabled or otherwise connected togetherin a manner that is not as readily releasable, or even benon-releasable, e.g., by forming the two pieces into a single solitarypiece.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been present forpurposes of illustration and description. The description is notintended to limit the invention to the form disclosed therein.Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the aboveteachings, and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are withinthe scope of the present invention. The embodiment described herein isfurther intended to explain the best mode known for practicing theinvention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention in such, or other, embodiments and with various modificationsrequired by the particular applications or uses of the presentinvention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed toinclude alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A restraining device, comprising: a first magnet;a first magnet holder adapted to secure the first magnet and to bereleasably attachable to a location on the body of a user; a secondmagnet having an attractive magnetic force to the first magnet; a secondmagnet holder adapted to secure the second magnet and to be releasablyattachable to at least one of a second location on the body of a userand a structure other than the body of the user, wherein the secondmagnet holder comprises a strap adapted to extend across at least aportion of the torso of the body of the user and a waistband adapted tocircumvent around the user's waist area; and at least one of the firstmagnet holder and the second magnet holder comprising non-magneticmaterial to cover at least a portion of at least one of the first magnetand the second magnet.
 2. The restraining device of claim 1, wherein thesecond magnet holder is adapted to secure at least a third magnet. 3.The restraining device of claim 1, wherein the location on the body ofthe user is at least a portion of an arm.
 4. The restraining device ofclaim 1, wherein the second magnet holder is adapted to provide morethan one location in which to secure the second magnet.
 5. Therestraining device of claim 1, wherein the second magnet holder isadapted to provide adjustment of the location of the second magnetrelative to the body of the user.